Our Natural Sciences programme is designed to exploit the flexibility of Lancaster's modular courses. It is built upon our nationally recognised teaching excellence and our international research reputation.
A feature of Lancaster's Natural Sciences degree scheme is that you will begin first year by undertaking three subjects, transitioning to focus on two of these subjects as you enter second year onwards.
Our Natural Sciences programme comes in five variants:
The standard entry requirements for all our courses are A*AA at A level, with at least two of these being in science subjects from the following:
You must also have GCSE Mathematics grade B or 6, English Language grade C or 4.
In addition to the overall standard entry requirement of A*AA, some subject pathways have additional entry requirements. In many cases, the requirement is a minimum of grade B at A level as, for example, this may be an applicant’s fourth A level subject.
| Subject | 2025/26 A level Requirements |
|---|---|
| Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Genetics | Chemistry B |
| Chemistry- Environmental | Mathematics B and Chemistry B |
| Chemistry - Measurement and Synthesis | Chemistry B |
| Chemistry - Synthesis and Structure | Chemistry B |
| Engineering - Chemical | Mathematics B and Chemistry B |
| Engineering - Electronic | Mathematics B and Physics B |
| Engineering - Mechanical | Mathematics B and Physics B |
| Mathematics | Mathematics A |
| Physics | Physics A and Mathematics A |
We welcome applications from students with a range of alternative UK qualifications, including combinations of qualifications, provided a comparable level of science has been studied.
We also welcome applicants offering a range of overseas qualifications. Find out more about Lancaster's approach to international qualifications.
If your first language is not English you will be asked for a recognised English language qualification. More information on Lancaster University's English language requirements.
Enquiries from candidates considering a future application or deferred entry are also welcome.
As a Natural Sciences student at Lancaster, you will take three pathways in your first year. These must come from pathways offered by the following departments.
During your first year, you would normally take three equally weighted pathways. A pathway consists of a series of modules each covering a different aspect of a subject. Modules are made up of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and laboratory-based practical work.
Successful completion of the first year allows you to progress into the second year. It is from second, third and possibly fourth year that your degree classification will be based as you transition to two pathways. Each pathway offers a range of second, third and fourth-year modules to choose from.
Our Natural Sciences programmes allow for a great deal of flexibility, allowing you to tailor your degree to your future ambitions.
After first year, you will transition to specialising in two pathway subjects. You will automatically gain professional accreditation from the Society of Natural Sciences upon completion of the course.
Our MSci is a good choice if you are aiming at PhD studies or hope to go into research in industry. Your first three years will be identical to the BSc degree. Your fourth year will be more specialised and can consist of studies in two subjects or complete specialisation in a single subject. Progression into the fourth year of the MSci course is dependent upon achieving at least an upper second-class honours classification at the end of the three-year BSc programme.
As your career plans start to take shape you may want to transfer your registration to a Placement Year programme, which can be done during your first year, or to the MSci programme, which you may do up until Easter in your third year.
